Dietitian or Nutritionist?

Did you ever wonder what the difference is? This is a consistent question I get from many of my peers, clients and even family members. So what is the difference?

The important thing to look for when you are trying to find a professional in the nutrition industry is to look for two important words: Registered and Licensed. This means that this clinician is registered with the Commission of Dietetics and follows all the legalities necessary to be a working professional in the industry. This means that they have completed the necessary schooling, training and testing to be a dietitian and/or nutritionist. The word licensed signifies that they have an active license to practice in the state that they are working in. Some clinician have licenses in more than one state.

The words "dietitian" or "nutritionist" are both designated as words to be used for the practitioner in the nutrition field. They do not have different meanings, but they mean the same thing and can be used by preference per professional. Many practitioners who are not trained through an accredited program at a college or university may use "nutritionist" without the registered or licensed designation. These people may be self-trained "experts" in the field, but they may not have any licensure and may not have any professional standards that they are expected to adhere to.

The number one thing to do before seeing a nutrition professional is to do your homework. Check to see what their credentials are and if they have a license in the state that you live. Ask questions! Most professionals should offer free consultations for speaking with them about questions you may have before paying for a visit. Don't rely on trendy claims that offer quick results or magical transformations without seeing if they have any validity. It is a big world out there with a lot of money in supplements, food plans, magical pills and dangerous starvation diets. Find someone you can work with that will be willing to give you their time and work with you one-on-one to dive deeper in the challenges you are facing and uncover specific ways to help you.

At KA Wellness and Nutrition, I am here to do that. I want to help people find their true health. I strive to empower my clients through teaching them more about their bodies and how they are working now, and how they can be working even better. See the contact page to ask questions about what I offer, or schedule a free 15-minute consultation where we can chat and find out if I can help YOU.